AUTISM AND AYURVEDA

Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. There are probably combinations of factors that lead to autism.
Genetic factors seem to be important. For example, identical twins are much more likely than fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism. Similarly, language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system (neurological) problems are also more common in families with autism.
A number of other possible causes have been suspected, but not proven. They involve:

·         Diet

·         Digestive tract changes

·         Mercury poisoning

·         The body's inability to properly use vitamins and minerals

·         Vaccine sensitivity

Let see functions of subtypes of Vata. Prana Vayu makes harmony of sense organs with outer material world. Due to that one gains knowledge and development of mind. Udana is responsible for energy, memory, production of speech, efforts, strength of body and mind and promote mind. Prana & Udana both works in harmony. In autism this harmony gets disturbed. Either Raja or Tama of mind get aggravated. Sattva i.e. intelligence is get disturbed.

According to Ayurveda, it is a condition of

1. Kapha Vriddhi ( Tamas)

 2. Vata Vriddhi ( Rajas)

Here is impairment of Vata function which leads to

Prana – mental retardation, attention deficient

Udana – mental retardation, poor socialization, speech disorders, sleep disorder

What is the treatment?

Treatment is in three divisions i.e., Food, Herbs & Panchakarma.

Food - Mind is nourished by food. So food must be Sattvik. It is rich in Prana. So it helps in healing of mind. Non vegetarian food should be strictly avoided. Fresh & properly cooked food should eat. Canned food should be avoided. This diet part takes time but very useful.

Honey – clears mind

Milk – tonic & calmative

Ghee – tonic & soothing

Herbs –

There are some herbs which are useful in this condition like Yashtimadhu, Shankhapushpi , Vacha etc. These herbs are nervine tonics. They should be ingested under proper guidance.

Panchakarma –

Massage -

Oil massage is calming, strengthening & increases Ojas. Medicated sesame oil is very useful. It reduces Vata & Kapha. It increases flow of Prana.

Shirodhara – It helps in calming of mind & give strength to all Indriya. It increases flow of Prana to head.

Shiropichu – It is useful in rajas condition & increases Prana flow to head.

Emesis & Purgation – helps in clearing channels so free movement of Prana.

Enema – helps to clear site of Vata & so balance all Vata subtypes.

Nasya – it mainly acts on limbic system which plays emotional game. It clears channels in head so increases flow of Prana & Udana.

Blood letting – it helps to reduce irritation of mind.

Gems – astrological advice should be taken & acc. to that gem should be used. Astro Ayurveda can help a lot.

Mantra – daily pronunciation of  OM clears mind, increases Ojas & awake  Prana for healing

Some drugs like sarswat Ghrita, shankhapushpi, panchagaya Ghrita , brahmi Ghrita are proved helpful.